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Master of Peace and Conflict Studies

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies prepares candidates to engage with issues of conflict, violence, peace, justice, human rights and the environment on a local and global scale. You will learn about peace journalism with CPACS Director, Associate Professor Jake Lynch, a former presenter on BBC World News; the challenges of building peace after mass violence with leading transitional justice scholar, Dr Wendy Lambourne; and from expert commentators on everything from ‘weapons of mass destruction’ to community mediation, nonviolence and the psychology of peace.

Informed by the latest research, the course focuses on developing theoretical understanding and practical skills that can be applied to the increasingly diverse field of peace and conflict studies. The course may be studied via a combination of distance learning and intensive face to face teaching, as well as full or part-time study in Sydney. Graduates of the course can go on to enjoy challenging and rewarding careers as consultants or employees with the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, universities, government departments and agencies.

All students complete one core unit, Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies, and electives chosen from studies which include: Conflict-Resolving Media; Human Rights, Peace and Justice; Gender and the Development of Peace; Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding; Religion, War and Peace; and the United Nations and International Conflict Resolution.

Units of study

For an up-to-date list of units of study for this degree, please refer to the online postgraduate handbook.

Full units of study list

Embedded courses

Further course information

Study plan

The MPACS requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp) including one core unit of study PACS 6911 Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies. The remaining units of study are chosen from the approved list of electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. The MPACS is offered in Sydneywith face to face classes, and is also available by distance learning, a mode which includes a minimum two units of study taught face to face, with classes in Sydney or London (bi-annuallly). Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 12,000 words.

Progression rules

Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first 4 units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Capstone experience

Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Peace and Conflict Studies have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Peace and Conflict Studies is an interdisciplinary program which provides students with the knowledge and practical skills for a range of careers associated with conflict resolution, international peace and security, social justice, human rights, and community and international development.


Graduates of Peace and Conflict Studies work for the United Nations, international non-government organisations, local community organisations, universities and government departments, and as peace-builders, community workers, diplomats, academics, conflict resolution practitioners and researchers.

Further study

Graduates of the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, must apply through UAC.

Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.

Important note: The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies combined distance learning and intensive face-to-face delivery mode is not CRICOS registered and is therefore not available to international students on a student visa who come to Sydney to study on shore. Domestic students wishing to undertake the course in this delivery mode should apply directly to the university by the choosing the Distance Education from the drop-down menu under the International applicants section and follow the prompts to apply for the Distance Learning program.

The MPACS course is also offered as an onshore course (CRICOS registered) for international students on a student visa who must apply through the International Office for admission.

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, with a major in the humanities or social sciences; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply:
(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or

(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Important note: The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies combined distance learning and intensive face-to-face delivery mode is not CRICOS registered and is therefore not available to international students on a student visa who come to Sydney to study on shore. Students wishing to undertake the course in this delivery mode should apply directly to the university by the choosing the Distance Education from the drop-down menu under the International applicants section and follow the prompts to apply for the Distance Learning program. Please consult the Australian High Commission for advice about the appropriate visa to come to Sydney to undertake a unit or units of study.

The MPACS course is also offered as an onshore course (CRICOS registered) for international students on a student visa who must apply through the International Office for admission.

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, with a major in the humanities or social sciences; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.